2024 Africa Awards Judging Panel of Exceptional ESG Expertise
By AAMEG | 5 August 2024
Five experts in sustainability, climate change, environmental policy and practice, resources and social performance constitute the judging panel for the prestigious 2024 AAMEG Africa Awards.
Hailing from Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) focussed businesses and with direct ties to the mining sector, this year’s panel is well qualified to evaluate the relevance and influence of Company initiatives.
Established in 2019, the AAMEG Africa Awards celebrate excellence in ESG practices and recognise Australian entities committed to a transparent, equitable and mutually beneficial resources industry in their host countries.
“Australian operators right across the African continent take their commitment to ESG seriously,” said AAMEG CEO Roger Staley. “The Africa Awards seek to showcase – via the very fitting platform that the Africa Down Under Conference grants us – companies that are modelling best practices in an ever-evolving industry.”
“With nearly half of our membership being mineral explorers or miners in Africa, we also acknowledge that we are in a privileged position to encourage these companies to pursue the highest level of transparency and ethics in their international business,” he said.
The award categories have been developed with key organisational structures, and their capacity to resource and implement initiatives in mind. This, ultimately, encourages a diverse range of companies to come forward and positively promote brand Australia in its international conduct.
The four award categories are:
- Category 1 – Emerging ESG Leader Award for Explorers/Developers
- Category 2 – Established ESG Leader Award for Producers
- Category 3 – Established ESG Leader Award for Services Providers
- Category 4 – The Change-Maker Award for Charities/Not-for-Profits
Nominations close on 16 August. Apply here
INTRODUCING THE 2024 AFRICA AWARDS JUDGING PANEL
Jim Allenby, Managing Director at Parvate ESG
As Managing Director of Parvate ESG, Jim Allenby, leads a team driving sustainable business growth through tailored ESG business advisory services and brings this expertise to his role as a 2024 Africa Awards judge.
Proud 2023 Africa Award sponsor, Parvate ESG is a trusted partner, committed to helping companies navigate the complexities of ESG, ensuring not only compliance but also fostering a culture of responsibility and resilience.
“I’m honoured to be on the Africa Awards Judging Panel because of the great ESG work done in the region recently. Last year showcased a number of new and exciting initiatives, and I can’t wait to see the development this year,” Jim said.
“There is a real need for ESG leaders and the Africa Awards provide Australian companies with the chance to demonstrate visible ESG leadership by sharing their initiatives publicly.”
Karien Erasmus, Director – ESG and Climate Services at RSM Australia
Originally from South Africa, Karien Erasmus is a Director in RSM Australia’s ESG and Climate Services team in Perth. With a 20-year advisory career in sustainability, Karien brings a lot to her role as judge.
Karien has been instrumental in aiding major, listed companies, particularly in the mining sector, to craft practical sustainability strategies, develop strategic energy and decarbonisation policies and formulate appropriate climate risk analyses and target-setting.
Having worked extensively across Africa, Karien is passionate about the continent’s developmental potential.
“Africa and her people are relentless in the pursuit of betterment – whether building schools or driving multi-national commerce agreements. I believe in Africa and what she can offer the world as we transition to a more sustainable future,” Karien said.
Tamyrn Lee Goddard, Manager – Advisory, Sustainability at BDO
Originally from Zimbabwe, Tamryn Lee Goddard, is a Manager in the Sustainability Consulting team at BDO in Perth. She has six years of diverse experience in the environmental management field including a Senior Associate role at PwC where she provided professional execution of consulting services for projects in the sustainability reporting field. Prior to working at PwC, Tamryn worked as a project developer in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, where she delivered high-end, utility scale renewable energy developments including pre-feasibility, environmental authorisations and permitting, facility engineering and design, procurement, and construction.
Tamryn holds a BA in Environmental Management, and higher Postgraduate Diplomas in Environmental Engineering (Civil and Industrial), Environmental Monitoring and Conservation Ecology. She has worked in various industries as a specialist in Energy and Decarbonisation conducting analysis of business operations to identify various opportunities for ESG improvements, providing recommendations for ESG strategy, business processes, operations, market analysis and feasibility studies.
As a Judge, Tamryn said that interesting initiatives around decarbonization would really catch her eye.
“Being part of this panel is not only a privilege but also a unique opportunity to leverage my background to support and celebrate initiatives that drive positive change across the continent,” Tamryn said.
“Growing up in Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the vibrancy and resilience of its diverse landscapes and cultures. This intimate understanding fuels my passion for giving back and underscores my dedication to stewardship.”
Chris McCombe, General Manager – Sustainability at the MCA
2023 Africa Awards judge, Chris McCombe, is returning to the role for 2024. He brings to the panel 25 years of both local and international experience working in geo-scientific, environmental and sustainability policy and practice in the public and private sectors.
Prior to his role at the Minerals Council, Chris was Manager, Major Projects for the Queensland Government’s abandoned mines program, managing the rehabilitation program for the Mount Morgan legacy site and abandoned working across breadth of Queensland.
Chris has also worked as an environmental consultant and hydrogeologist in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Kaylee Prince, Principal Sustainability at Perenti
Meanwhile, Kaylee Prince, is Principal Sustainability at Perenti, and brings 15 years of experience in the resources sector to her role as judge.
As an experienced environmental professional in the resources sector, Kaylee specialises in legislative compliance, risk mitigation and the development of robust environmental management systems.
Kaylee holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and a Natural Resource Law Diploma from the University of Western Australia. She is currently pursuing a Master of Mining and Energy Law to further deepen her expertise.
Kaylee received the Environmental Protection Award in 2023 and has been published in the Environmental and Planning Law Journal.
Kaylee also has first-hand experience of the continent. In Kenya, Kaylee played a vital role in promoting local women’s skills and wares, and managing fundraising initiatives, enabling mothers to return to work.